A tripling of global demand for trips to Sri Lanka in the past year has led small-group adventure operator G Adventures to launch a new program of group sailing tours along the southern coast, becoming the first international travel company to do so.
Its new seven-day ‘Sri Lanka Sailing’ trip, which travels from/to Mirissa, begins on February 2nd, 2018, making it a novel and exotic winter escape. The trip can also be combined with a land-based itinerary in Sri Lanka – often described as ‘the pearl of the Indian Ocean’ -- to create a 14-day land and sea getaway.
After seeing strong growth in sales of Sri Lanka tours in the past year, offering a sailing trip was a natural extension, explained Vince Donnelly, Global Sailing Manager for G Adventures.
“We are thrilled to be the first adventure company to help travelers explore Sri Lanka by sea. It’s a tropical jewel that’s still somewhat of a hidden gem, and there’s so much to experience and learn here”, he said. “Our sailing tours will have a G Adventures-trained and local Chief Experience Officer guide on board, plus a skipper and a cook, so travelers are best able to experience the local culture and flavors while they see the stunning Sri Lankan coastline.”
The 53-foot live-aboard catamaran chartered by G Adventures is equipped with four double cabins that sleep two guests per cabin and offer en-suite bathrooms, portholes, and rooftop pop-up skylights. The vessel also features an onboard kitchenette, an onboard covered area for dining, and an upper sun deck and forward netting for relaxing. Youth who are at least 16 years of age are welcome aboard with a parent or legal guardian.
Highlights of the new itinerary include Galle, a magnificent fort city on the southwest coast, which was founded by the Portuguese and feels like a small European town. Travelers will also visit Ussangoda National Park, the newest national park in Sri Lanka, which is home to a variety of wildlife and rare medicinal plants.
While onboard, travelers will also be able to spot the largest animal on earth, the blue whale, since the giant creatures are drawn to feed in the deep-sea trench just off the coast.
The launch of Sri Lanka sailing brings the number of sailing destinations offered by G Adventures to eight, with 19 different itineraries across the British Virgin Islands, Croatia, Cuba, Greece, Indonesia, Montenegro, and Thailand. The two new Sri Lanka itineraries for 2018 travel are:
- Sailing Sri Lanka – 7 days from/to Mirissa, from $1319. per person, air separate. Discover the culture and wild, natural beauty of Sri Lanka, with a perfect mix of chill-out time and exploration. Sail along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, stopping along the way at the old trading fort of Galle, remote beach towns, and the fishing village of Kudawella. When your land-locked feet get a little tired, there’s plenty of time for snorkeling, surfing, and enjoying the beach.
- Sri Lanka Land & Sea – 14 days from Negombo to Mirissa, from $2699. per person, air separate. Search for wildlife on a safari, visit the historic city of Galle, and taste for yourself the exotic flavors at a spice plantation. Then head over to the southern coast (with whales and dolphins as your travel companions) for some well-earned time with snorkeling, surfing, and a beach barbecue.
For questions or bookings, contact your local travel advisor, call 1-888-800-4100, or visit: gadventures.com.